Matrimony

For I know the plans I have for your life… they are plans to give you a future and to give you hope. — Jeremiah 29:11

God calls a couple to the vocation of marriage to experience His love and mercy in each other and, in turn, bear witness to that love and mercy to the world! God loves us for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, until death…and beyond. Marriage is a visible and powerful sign of the way God loves us.

Marriage is a journey a couple walks together daily with all of its joys, changes and challenges and at times, you may feel you are the only couple on this journey. Whether you are preparing to celebrate the sacrament of marriage or a married couple of any age, you walk this journey with each other, God and the many brothers and sisters who have been called to live the Sacrament of Marriage.

At St. Anastasia, we want you to know that you are not alone! We offer or support a number of programs for engaged and married couples who would like to deepen their relationship, seek to heal their relationship or wish to grow together in their faith such as Marriage: God’s Love Made Visible, Beyond “Honey I’m Home:”, Teams of Our Lady, National Marriage Encounter, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille, and Natural Family Planning. If you would like further information on these programs or have any questions, please see information listed for each area below or call 248-689-0732.

Pre-Marriage Preparation

Engaged couples complete a four-part pre-marriage preparation program: One-on-one counseling with either Joseph Manuszak or Fred Cavaiani, professional Marriage Counselors, the 3-session Beyond “Honey, I’m Home” series, a Natural Family Planning classes and a Mini-retreat for Engaged Couples held at St. Anastasia. Please see website info or call Holly at 248-689-8380 ext 109 for more information.

Marriage: God’s Love Made Visible

You are warmly invited to an evening with other married couples to talk about issues that are a part of daily married life (finances, intimacy, praying together) and the chance to spend an evening out together. Topics change from month to month, so feel free to join in at anytime. For current topic information see Marriage Enrichment.

Beyond “Honey, I’m Home” Series

A series designed to strengthen the intimacy and love in your relationship through effective communication. Facilitated by Fred Cavaiani, each session has a specific theme. Engaged and married couples are welcome. Held one Sunday of each month, 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the parish. Cost: $30.00 per couple/per session. Couples may begin attending at anytime. Contact person: Fred Cavaiani (248-362-3340).

Teams of Our Lady

Strengthen your marriage and enrich your spiritual life in this small group format. A team consists of 4-7 couples who meet monthly in their homes to share a meal, scripture, prayer and discussion. Teams are for couples of all ages and states in married life. Contacts: Carl & Marie Weber (248-680-0810).

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

It’s Mission of renewal in the church and change in the world is to assist couples to live a fully intimate, responsible relationship. Expressed in the tradition and understanding of the Catholic church, the weekend is designed to help married couples communicate more intimately with one another and deepen and enrich their relationship, all in a private, confidential environment. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter website has more information.

Retrouvaille

“Retrouvaille, a French word meaning “rediscovery”, helps couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. If there is little or no meaningful communication in your marriage or if you are considering separation or divorce, we believe Retrouvaille can help you.” For further information, call 800-470-2230 (Michigan) or visit the website.

Natural Family Planning

For current class information, please contact the Archdiocese of Detroit NFP office at 313-237-4679.